Being a mother living with the daily impacts of fossil fuel extraction and working a full time job, I make time to volunteer with the Sierra Club as your Chapter Chair for one simple reason:
I truly believe in our organization and everyone fighting for clean air and water and a working democracy.
It can be easy to give up when we're up against so much but I know for a fact that your emails, letters, and phone calls helped. You have played a role in holding our elected officials accountable, educating the public, and helping to live the values that make our work so meaningful.
And while we didn't stop everything, we are still here, together, to fight another day.
As we move forward, we want to ensure the Sierra Club becomes a place where everyone feels responsible for breaking down inequities, building up justice, and learning from the experiences of others.
Just last month, my fellow Executive Committee members and I made personal commitments to help our organization become more welcoming and supportive for new volunteers.
We're not there yet but we will get there with your help.
As your Chair, I welcome your suggestions for making our Chapter the most inclusive and impactful organization it can be and create a community where everyone feels valued and heard. I look forward to marching next to you in the streets, delivering thousands of messages to decision makers, and roasting s'mores at our next annual outing.
Yours in the struggle,
Veronica Coptis, Chapter Chair
Sierra Club PA Chapter